The Florida Chamber of Commerce is backing Jake Johansson in the race for Senate District 8, adding the business lobby’s support to the Port Orange Republican’s 2026 bid for the open seat.

Johansson, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, spent 35 years in the military before shifting to local government, including stints as Port Orange City Manager and as a member of the Volusia County Council.

The Chamber highlighted that resume in announcing its endorsement, saying Johansson has “dedicated his career to making life better for families, local businesses, his community and our country” and promising he will focus on inflation, job creation and workforce readiness if elected to the Senate.

“The Florida Chamber of Commerce is pleased to endorse Jake Johansson as Senate District 8’s next state Senator,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“Having served with distinction in the U.S. Navy and more recently as a locally elected official, we are confident in Jake’s commitment to the free market and look forward to working alongside him to make Florida even more competitive as we continue to grow towards becoming the 10th largest economy in the world.”

Johansson framed the endorsement as a nod to his small-business and military background.

“As a small business owner and veteran, I know free enterprise is worth defending, whether on battlefields abroad or within government at home,” Johansson said.

“Given the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s track record of fighting for jobs and equal opportunity for earned success for all Floridians, I am humbled to receive their endorsement and look forward to working with them and the job creators they represent in the Florida Senate to continue Florida’s economic momentum.”

Senate District 8, based in Volusia County, is currently represented by Republican Tom Wright, who is term-limited and previously endorsed Johansson. The Chamber notes the seat is rated as a Solid Republican district on its Partisan Performance Index, with both President Donald Trump in 2024 and Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 clearing 60% of the vote there.

Johansson is currently competing against Heather Bendl and Jason Voelz for the Republican nomination. As of Sept. 30, Johansson held a commanding lead in fundraising, with more than $126,000 raised compared to $3,325 for Voelz. Bendl has not reported any contributions since launching her campaign in March.